Dronamics signs deals on production and operations at Dubai Airshow
Aramex's Alaa Saoudi (left) and Svilen Rangelov from Dronamics (right) in front of the exhibition model Black Swan at Dubai Air Show 2023. (credit: Dronamics)
Dronamics has agreed a joint production venture with UAE’s Strategic Development Fund (SDF) and partnered with Aramex as it approaches global operations launch.
With both agreements signed at 2023’s Dubai Airshow which is being held this week, Svilen Rangelov, co-founder and CEO of Dronamics, said: “This joint venture will propel our advanced cargo drone technology into the market on a grand scale.” Speaking on the partnership with Aramex, he added: “We’re excited to integrate Dronamics’ cargo drone technology to bring the transformative benefits of rapid, cost-effective, and sustainable same-day delivery to the global stage.”
Dronamics’ joint venture will create the first serial production plant for the OEM’s Black Swan aircraft. In late 2022, SDF through its VC division became Dronamics’ largest investor to date. The joint venture term sheet signed this week, builds on that investment and the MoU signed between SDF and Dronamics last month by the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development.
Abdulla Naser Al Jaabari, MD and CEO of SDF, said: “SDF is committed to investing in financially sustainable partnerships that contribute towards building manufacturing and technological capabilities in the UAE. Leveraging Dronamics’ pioneering drone technology and the UAE’s logistics ecosystem and advanced infrastructure, this joint venture will bring the manufacturing base of this advanced technological solution that we believe will be a game-changer within the logistics sector for the mid-mile delivery segment.”
Facilitated by the partnership with SDF, the Aramex agreement brings fleet management capabilities to the table that Dronamics needs to scale operations. The OEM will supply its drones to Aramex for same-day middle-mile and long-range deliveries. The logistics giant, headquartered in UAE and listed on the Dubai Financial Market, was founded in 1982 and moves 100 million parcels annually.
Alaa Saoudi, Aramex chief operating officer, Express Management said: “We are delighted to partner with Dronamics to explore their cargo drone capabilities within our operations. This aligns well with our continuing efforts towards harnessing innovation for enhanced operational efficiency, providing an exceptional customer experience, and minimising our carbon footprint across the UAE and our global operations.”
Angad Singh, Aramex Global Innovation Director added: “This partnership with Dronamics adds a new element to our Future vehicle program. We hope to pilot flights with Dronamics in 2024 partnering with the broader ecosystem of regulators and enablers.”
